Walking around in Downtown El Paso, you may have seen lines of plastic or steel spikes lining manmade structures such as ledges, fences and company signs. These are both examples of bird spikes, a method of wildlife exclusion used by residential and commercial properties alike. Many think that this is a cruel way of deterring pigeons and other birds, but is that true? Are bird spikes as useful for you as they seem to be for so many properties in more densely populated parts of El Paso? Pest Defense Solutions has all the answers you need when it comes to bird spikes, and with our help, we can keep your home safe from bird damage throughout the year.
What Are Bird Spikes?
Bird spikes are anti-roosting devices, primarily made out of plastic or stainless steel. They’re installed in all the typical roosting locations of a building, from windowsills to rooftop edges. Bird spikes come in strips of two feet or so that are then either nailed or screwed for a temporary solution, or stuck with adhesive for permanent installations. Between the two application methods, you can install these barbs on almost every surface, from wood to concrete. And once they’re put into place, they can withstand years of harsh and unpredictable weather without losing efficiency or protective abilities. Bird spikes can last for upwards of 10 years before you need to get them replaced, and with a quality exterminating team like Pest Defense Solutions, the installation process is easy and convenient.
Do Bird Spikes Hurt Birds?
When you see lines of bird spikes out in public, they can look a little daunting. From a distance, they seem similar to barbed wire. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why some may describe bird spikes as cruel. But when you take a closer look, you quickly realize that these are far from the giant spikes some people may be imagining. The ends of each individual “spike” is dull and blunted, and the whole thing is relatively flexible. It isn’t necessarily comfortable to land on them, but it’s certainly not lethal. On its own, it isn’t even likely to harm the bird. If they’re attracted to your property for one reason or the other, they will try to land, fail, and soon after, find another place to call home.
How Do Bird Spikes Work?
Larger birds like gulls and pigeons have bigger feet, and because of that they need more space to land. By installing bird spikes, you’re eliminating the square footage that they need to get comfortable. If they aren’t comfortable, they’re far less likely to stay and nest. In that way, bird spikes function as a very reliable form of wildlife exclusion, eliminating roosts before they have a chance to form. Of course, this only applies to larger birds. If a bird is small enough, it could build a nest between spikes and potentially cover the barbs entirely. Bird spikes are just one form of bird exclusion that a bird removal expert like Pest Defense Solutions has to offer. If you have unwanted nuisance birds nesting or roosting on your property, we can help.
The Benefits of Professionally Installed Bird Spikes
Birds in and around El Paso play an important part in our area’s ecosystem, and while we don’t want them to spread the parasitic insects they harbor or their droppings onto your property, we don’t want to hurt them either. If you install DIY bird spikes on your home or business, you run the risk of injuring the local bird population. It’s much better to have this done by a professional, and if you live in the El Paso area, there’s no better name than Pest Defense Solutions. We can work humanely and efficiently to keep you free from all manner of pests. Want to know more? Contact us today for a free quote!
